About John Hendrickson

John Hendrickson is a Policy Analyst with Iowans for Tax Relief. (The opinions in this article may not reflect the views of Iowans for Tax Relief.) He formerly worked as a research analyst with Public Interest Institute. Henderickson earned a B.A. and M.A. in History from the University of North Dakota.

John Hendrickson and Joseph Coletti: How can Iowa make sure its recent tax reform is fully implemented, including the adoption of fewer and lower tax rates in 2023? The only proven way to lower tax rates is with spending restraint.

John Hendrickson: Government spending is a concern to many Iowans. Individuals, families, and businesses across Iowa all follow a budget that is not guaranteed to increase every year, yet Iowa’s budget continues to grow.

John Hendrickson: If Iowa wants to increase economic growth, create more jobs and opportunities, and make our state more welcoming to businesses and entrepreneurs, policymakers need to implement pro-growth fiscal policies.

John Hendrickson: The tax reform plan passed by the Iowa Legislature is absolutely a step in the right direction and it will help many families and businesses in Iowa, but it should be viewed as a starting point.

John Hendrickson: Delaying tax reform would be a setback for Iowa’s taxpayers and our economy. By lowering tax rates and controlling spending, Iowa will not only create a stronger economy with more opportunities, but also provide for the priorities of state government.

John Hendrickson: Iowa’s progressives are following a policy program known as the “Blue State” model seen in states like Connecticut, Illinois, and California, which “incorporates high levels of public employment, extensive and expensive public services, and high taxes and comprehensive regulations on business.”

John Hendrickson: Opponents of tax reduction balk at North Carolina’s historic tax reform as an example that pro-growth tax policies only lead to the bleeding of essential state services. They are wrong.

John Hendrickson: Iowa policymakers should take note of states that have enacted meaningful tax reform successfully. By lowering rates and keeping spending levels low, Iowa can deliver tax relief to the benefit of all Iowans by creating economic growth and opportunity.

John Hendrickson: High tax rates are harmful to economic growth. In addition to reducing rates, the final tax reform and relief measure should be comprehensive, use revenue triggers or phase-ins, reduce and reform the use of tax credits, and modernize the sales and use tax to bring fairness to Iowa’s small businesses.